ROBIN Hill will go ahead with its popular hot air balloon event this year — but with different partners following a raft of bad publicity for the contractor behind the Sky High events.

Previously, the balloon element has been provided by Adam Barclay-Faulkner, who has since hit the headlines when his The Great Balloon Race events were cancelled in venues across the country.

Ticketholders say they have spent months fighting for refunds and have set up a Facebook page to support each other, claiming the entire event was a scam.

This has been hotly denied by the organiser, who told the County Press an investigation by Action Fraud had been dropped and it was the insurance firm that had delayed paying out.

He claimed he was the victim of a smear campaign by others within the balloon industry.

He said £339,241 had already been paid out in refunds and others would have to bear with him but would get their money back.

Robin Hill has now distanced itself from Barclay-Faulkner.

This week it announced a new partnership and rebrand for Sky High — now the Isle of Wight Balloon Festival.

The event is set for May 28 to 30, and will include a programme of balloon activity (weather permitting) including a spectacular Night Glow performance, live music, street food and more.

An additional hot air balloon evening event, Night Glow, will take place from August 19 to 21. The event will showcase the art of night-time ballooning with a 'unique twist'.

The new partnership is with balloon event and marketing specialists, Exclusive Ballooning, who are responsible for some of the UK’s most enjoyed balloon events such as Longleat’s Sky Safari, Balloons on the Beach and The Lord Mayor’s Balloon Regatta, London.

“Our team are extremely excited about the re-brand of Sky High, along with many new projects in 2022.

"We’re itching to release more information on this year’s events, but for now we’ll ask everyone to note the headline dates and can stay up-to-date with the latest information via our social media,” said James Crofts, Robin Hill park manager.